FCC & Policy Briefing
Monday, November 9, 2026
FCC LMS DATA CAUTION: As of this morning, the FCC LMS public data files are approximately one week out of date. Until the Commission refreshes those files, allocation, spacing, interference and other engineering studies relying on downloaded LMS data may not reflect recently filed or acted-upon applications. This creates a risk of erroneous results across FCC Mass Media services, so studies should be treated as provisional and checked against current individual LMS records wherever practical.
1. NCE FM Translator Window Extended to November 23
The Media Bureau has extended the reserved-band NCE FM translator filing window to November 23 at 6:00 p.m. EST following LMS filing difficulties. The extension also moves the comparative snapshot date and keeps the associated LPFM/FM translator/FM booster filing freeze in place through the revised closing date.
Why it matters: Applicants have additional time to complete applications, but the stale LMS public-data files complicate engineering work during the same period. Studies based solely on downloaded FCC datasets may miss recent facilities or applications.
Action: November 23, 6:00 p.m. EST — revised deadline. Recheck critical technical results against current LMS records before certification and avoid waiting until the final day to file.
2. Nationwide EAS Test Is Eight Days Away
FEMA and the FCC will conduct the nationwide Emergency Alert System test on November 17 at 2:20 p.m. Eastern through IPAWS using the NPT event code. The test will be distributed as a CAP message in English and Spanish; December 3 remains the backup date. FCC Docs
Why it matters: Stations should now be in final operational-check mode: EAS monitoring assignments, IPAWS connectivity, firmware, clocks and retransmission paths should all be verified before the test.
Action: November 17 — nationwide test. Assuming the test proceeds, complete ETRS Form Two by November 19 and Form Three by January 4, 2027.
3. Upper C-Band Transition Moves to Public Review
The FCC-required Upper C-band transition plans were due November 5 from eligible satellite operators. The transition will clear fixed-satellite operations from 4.0–4.16 GHz, with affected incumbent users potentially requiring equipment changes or service migration. FCC Docs
Why it matters: Broadcasters receiving network or syndicated programming via affected C-band earth stations should determine whether their receive facilities appear in the transition plans and what equipment changes may be necessary.
Action: Comments on the transition plans are due November 30. Preserve earth-station licensing information, equipment inventories and cost documentation before making relocation decisions.
4. Congress Takes Up Bipartisan Data-Center and Grid-Permitting Bill
The Senate is preparing to debate the bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, aimed at accelerating power-generation and transmission permitting while requiring large data centers to bear more of the cost of grid upgrades. The measure has support from the administration but also faces objections from environmental and Tribal groups over streamlined review provisions. Reuters
Why it matters: Rapid data-center growth is becoming a major federal energy-policy issue because of electricity demand, transmission constraints and consumer rate impacts. The bill could materially alter permitting and cost-allocation rules for large new loads and generation projects.
Action: No enacted change yet. Watch the Senate debate and amendments; the bill remains subject to passage by both chambers and presidential signature.
5. Post-Midterm Congress Expected to Shift Federal AI Policy
Following the November 3 election, incoming congressional leadership is preparing a substantial package of AI-related legislation for 2027, including proposals covering safety requirements, consumer protections, data-center impacts and federal oversight. Separate administration officials have also said the federal government intends to clarify which existing laws apply to AI laboratories. Reuters
Why it matters: AI regulation is moving from executive guidance toward potentially broader statutory requirements. That could affect technology companies, infrastructure demand, cybersecurity and communications policy, including FCC-adjacent issues involving networks and spectrum.
Action: No immediate compliance change. Watch for bill introductions and committee assignments when the new Congress convenes in January.
Blogger Publishing Note
Label: FCC & U.S. Policy Briefing
